I know people are always complaining that the Rockets don't get the ball to Yao enough. Some people blame the guards, while others say that Yao fails to get good position inside and is tentative in the paint. For one thing, after watching the Mavs game I must say, despite what people may argue, Francis DOES try to get the ball in the post, and often does. He made a couple nice lob passes inside to Yao against the Mavs that left Yao deep in the paint for easy baskets. Yes, Francis could improve: he could get passes to Yao in a better position, he could get him the ball earlier. But he is improving. Mobley, on the other hand, doesn't seem to understand how to pass to the post. I think I have only seen him try it a few times, and the passes were always errant, resulting in turnovers or leaving Yao to pass it back out because the was nothing he could do with it. This is not a call to trade the Cat, as I think his positives clearly outweigh the negative. But I think it is a cause for concern. Sometimes, the pass was fine, but Yao couldn't handle it, although atleast a couple of times that was because Bradley was constantly reaching to deflect passes. I remember reading something in the preseason about how the Rockets were inbounding the ball with Cato so that Yao could run the floor and get position earlier, and I still think that is a good strategy. However, even if Yao gets position inside early, he cannot maintain position long enough to demand it when th ball is finally brought to the halfcourt. The point is, the guards take too long to get the ball in and begin our halfcourt offense. Now, what are some possible solutions? We could get the ball to Yao through Jim Jackson more often. Jimmy Jack is a good passer and is taller than Steve or Cat, giving him better leverage in getting the ball to Yao. Or maybe Yao could start in the high post and get the ball as he moves toward the basket. It would save his energy until the offense is set and would give him momentum inside for when he receives the ball. When Yao gets the ball, if he is not dribbling to the basket he always fades away. I do not see him lean into his shot often, even though he is 7'5". By moving in from the high post, we might see him more aggressive toward the basket, hopefully getting more dunks. Another possibility could be for someone to float in the midrange jumpr area and get the ball. From there, they could shoot, drive (at which point Yaomoves to the basket for the dish or the rebound), or get an easier pass to the post. These are just my observations, concerns, and ideas. I don't know if I am right, or if my suggestions won' work, or if similar strategies are already being implemented. I just don't want Yao to be turned into a 7'5" screen like he was reduced to in Dallas.
